Degree Levels

Online Master’s in Education Programs Resource

A master’s degree in education is an advanced degree for teachers or administrators that typically requires one to three years of study, depending on whether the program is full-time or part-time. While a master’s in education is not a requirement to earn teacher certification, in some states teachers must earn a master’s after a certain number of years of holding an initial certificate in order to advance the certificate and continue teaching. Teachers also commonly earn advanced degrees in order to fulfill continuing education requirements to renew their teaching certificates and develop their teaching skills. Use the directory below to navigate this page and find the relevant section for your questions about earning a master’s degree in education.

Reasons for Earning a Master’s in Education

Earning a master’s in education or in a teachable academic subject can lead to a higher salary and additional teaching endorsements as well as opportunities to work in positions of leadership. Additionally, a master’s credential can help individuals improve their skills, keep abreast of the latest research, and become more effective teachers. As noted above, some states require a master’s in order to advance or renew a teaching certificate. States that have adopted this requirement include Massachusetts, Maryland, and South Carolina.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree but not in education, a master’s degree from a state-approved initial licensure program (sometimes called a “career switcher” program) can provide a path to becoming a teacher. You can read more about these types of programs through our guide to alternative teacher certification.

Common Entry Requirements for Master’s Programs in Education

Admission to master’s programs in education can be competitive. Programs such as the Master’s in Teaching that provide a path to initial certification will generally accept candidates who have an undergraduate degree in any academic subject. Programs that are not geared towards providing a path to teacher certification tend to give admissions preference to students who are currently certified to teach and have some teaching experience. For master’s degrees in content areas, candidates may be required to have a bachelor’s degree in that academic field – for example, a master’s program in science education will typically prefer students who have a bachelor’s degree in science or science education. Many master’s programs also set a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, and may also require minimum scores on the GRE. Other common admissions requirements are letters of recommendation, personal essays or statements of purpose, and a professional teaching resume or portfolio.

Types of Master’s Degrees in Education

There are numerous types of master’s degrees in education. The right degree for you will depend on your goals and area of interest. The two main types of graduate degrees in education that people think of are the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.). There are also other types of master’s degrees in education, including the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) and the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.).

While these degrees are similar in some respects and many use the various terms interchangeably, there are significant differences between programs. Master’s programs can focus on a specific area of teaching practice like elementary or secondary education, a particular academic subject, or put a graduate on a track towards school administrator jobs or curriculum and instruction jobs. As a general guideline, master’s in education programs tend to focus on educational leadership and support, whereas master’s in teaching programs tend to focus on the development of direct teaching skills.

1. Master of Education

A Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) is usually designed for current teachers who want to move into a leadership role or into another branch of education. The topics covered in an M.Ed. program typically concentrate on the theoretical aspects of education. These theoretical studies often include the areas of education research, education policy and reform, and educational leadership. Common concentrations for M.Ed. programs are in instructional design, learning and technology, and curriculum development.

2. Master of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Education

Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) and Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed) degree programs typically focus on building leadership skills to help current educators move into administrative leadership positions. This focus on leadership is one way that M.S.Ed. and M.A.Ed programs tend to differ from other master’s degrees, such as the Master of Arts in Teaching. However, M.S.Ed. and M.A.Ed. programs may also have an academic focus; science and math teachers, for example, commonly earn an M.S.Ed. in their content specialization.

3. Master’s in Teaching

Master’s in Teaching (M.I.T.) programs are designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education and little or no experience in teaching. Such programs are centered on educator preparation in order to help students transition to teaching careers and meet teacher certification requirements. Topics covered in M.I.T. programs include teaching skills and practices, the use of technology in the classroom, and basic education theory. M.I.T. programs that lead to teacher certification also typically include classroom internships and field experiences. M.I.T. programs are commonly offered as online teaching degrees.

4. Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree is a popular option for new and experienced teachers who want to develop instructional strategies and skills or build their content expertise. Some M.A.T. programs provide a path to initial certification and are intended for career switchers who already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject. M.A.T. degree programs include a focus area such as elementary, middle, or secondary education and usually an academic content area such as mathematics or English. The M.A.T. is commonly encountered as an online master’s in education program.

5. Master’s in Academic Content Areas or Master’s Plus Degrees

Another common graduate degree in education is a master’s program in a teaching specialty area. Example programs include a Master of Arts in English, a Master of Science in Mathematics, or a Master of Arts in History. When these programs include courses in teaching practice or lead to teacher certification they are commonly referred to as “Master’s Plus” programs and may be abbreviated as a MAT+, MA+, or MS+, depending on the degree type. Master’s programs that focus on academic enrichment in a content focus area can also be a path towards doctoral degrees such as the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), which can lead to positions in administration as well as in higher education.

Top Master’s Programs in Education

Following are a selection of programs that offer master’s degrees in education that have received top ratings from US News & World Report1 and the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ)2.

Online Master’s in Education Degree Programs

An online master’s can offer great flexibility to students who wish to advance their careers or achieve teacher certification through a state-approved program. Online master of education programs often emulate the on-campus experience; lectures may involve live streaming videos of the instructor with real-time interaction with the class through chat or video conferencing. Some programs also provide social technologies that allow students to interact with classmates in a collaborative online environment.

US News has ranked the Best Online Graduate Education Programs as follows3:

Coursework for Master’s in Education Programs

Master’s degree programs emphasize intensive coursework in a given area of focus and often include more theoretical approaches or advanced practical approaches than are encountered in undergraduate coursework. For both on-campus and online teaching degrees, teaching internships or fieldwork are commonly required, as are a master’s thesis, capstone, or comprehensive examination.

While courses may differ based on focus area (Curriculum and Instruction or Special Education, for example) and there is some overlap, typical examples of courses in teaching and education master’s programs include:

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Educational Leadership

Planning and Resource Management

Human Resources Administration in Education

Instructional Supervision

Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)/Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)

Job Outlook for Teachers and School Administrators

The job outlook for teachers over the next decade is strong due to several factors, including the large number of teachers expected to retire in the coming years and a stronger emphasis from state and federal governments on improving student achievement. Teachers with qualifications in high-needs areas such as mathematics, science, and English as a Second Language will be in strongest demand. For more information on the job outlook for teachers and administrators, including a state-by-state guide to the best states to be a teacher, see our careers page.

Teaching and Education Programs

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Frequently Asked Questions about a Master’s in Education

Question: What is the difference between a master’s in education and a master’s in teaching?

Answer: While both types of degrees can lead to an initial teaching license and both are often offered as online teaching degrees, the master’s in teaching tends to focus on the method and practice of teaching (pedagogy), while the master’s in education tends to focus more on theory, research, and administration.

Question: Can I get a master’s in education without a bachelor’s in education?

Answer: Though admission policies vary between master’s programs, most programs accept students who have bachelor’s degrees in other subjects. The main admissions criteria for most programs include a strong academic background in any subject and teaching experience that can be applied to the master’s learning experience.

Question: How do I become a teacher if I already have a bachelor’s degree?

Answer: Earning a bachelor’s degree is just the first step towards becoming a teacher. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, returning to school to earn a master’s degree can help you meet the certification requirements in your state. Many states have approved online master’s programs for teacher preparation, including one-year master’s programs in education that can accelerate the transition to the classroom.

Question:How long does it take to get a master’s degree in education?

Answer: The majority of master’s degrees in education and teaching take between one and two years to complete. One-year master’s programs are common in states that recognize master’s degree programs as a pathway to alternative teacher certification. The time it takes to get a master’s degree also depends on whether the student is taking courses on a full- or part-time basis.

Question: Can I teach while getting my certification and earning a master’s degree?

Answer: If you are working to become certified as a teacher through an alternate route master’s degree program, you may be able to teach while you earn your certificate. The requirements for this approach vary by state. Most states will issue a temporary or provisional teaching credential if you have at least a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a teacher preparation program.